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Easton schools update handbooks, expand civil‑rights and bullying training and report rise in investigations
Summary
District leaders told the committee they will add functional behavioral assessment language and alternative remedies to handbooks, update staff training on bullying and restraint reporting, and reported seven bullying investigations (four findings) plus 23 civil-rights investigations (11 findings) this year.
The Easton School Committee received multiple policy and training updates March 12 tied to a district civil-rights and special-education audit.
Director Davidson described handbook changes required by state regulations: adding functional behavioral assessment (FBA) language for students with disabilities, documenting alternative remedies (mediation, restorative justice, collaborative problem solving), and specifying re-engagement steps such as community service or restorative lessons. "This language is from the regulations and the recommendation from the department of ed through the audit," Davidson said, and principals will update building handbooks before distribution to families.
Director Denapoli said mandated annual staff trainings will be updated to incorporate research-based guidance the state developed for bullying prevention, emphasizing that bullying often occurs during less-structured times (playground, bus, dismissal). The update also includes guidance on warning signs, appropriate interventions and strategies to create emotionally and physically safe schools.
Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Puit and building principals presented student-discipline data showing classrooms as the most common incident location, calibration issues in data entry across schools, disproportionate incident reporting for male students, and an overrepresentation of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in disciplinary incident counts. Mrs. Puit said the district will continue calibrating reporting practices in the new data platform (Open Architect) and aligning PBIS tier-one supports across buildings.
On formal investigations, staff reported seven bullying investigations to date this school year, four of which resulted in findings of bullying. The district also reported 23 civil-rights investigations with 11 findings; staff said findings have been addressed in accordance with district policy and state law and that future reports will break findings down by protected categories and other details.
District leaders emphasized restorative practices and family engagement as part of remedies and said staff will follow state reporting timelines for physical restraints and other incidents moving forward.
